*Chapter 26: The Meeting*
Aria hesitated, unsure of what to do. Part of her wanted to trust Elijah, but another part of her was screaming to be cautious.
Ryker seemed to sense her uncertainty. "Don't go alone," he whispered. "We'll come with you."
Aria nodded, making up her mind. "I'll tell him I'm coming alone," she said. "But we'll all go together."
Lena and Ryker nodded in agreement. They made their way to the clock tower, arriving just before midnight.
As they approached the entrance, Elijah emerged from the shadows. His eyes narrowed as he saw Ryker and Lena.
"I told you to come alone," he said, his voice cold.
Aria stood her ground. "I don't trust you," she said. "And I'm not going to let you hurt me or my friends."
Elijah's expression changed, and for a moment, Aria saw a glimmer of the person she used to know.
"Fine," he said. "I'll give you the information. But you have to promise to listen to me."
Aria nodded, her heart pounding in her chest.
Elijah handed her a small folder. "This is everything I know about Vrax's plan," he said. "But there's something else. Something I didn't want to tell you over the phone."
Aria's eyes locked onto his. "What is it?" she asked.
Elijah's voice dropped to a whisper. "Vrax has a personal connection to you, Aria. One that could change everything."
Aria's heart skipped a beat. What could Elijah possibly mean?